The holidays are a great time for giving new electronics as gifts. Cell phones, computers, games, kids' toys, cameras, TVs, and a whole host of other electronics make their way into homes each December.

Getting new gadgets is loads of fun, but the question then is what to do with the old versions of those same toys. Many electronics contain components that are harmful to the environment, so they should not be thrown into the regular trash to enter a landfill or incinerator. Also, there are many parts that can be recycled for repairs on existing electronic devices or remanufactured as pieces for new tech toys.

So how do you find out what to do with those old devices? Below is a list of resources that you can use to find the best option for you!

1. Don't Buy Wrapping Paper Reuse old wrapping paper or put your gifts in reusable bags or boxes. Be creative about giving old materials new life-scraps of fabric, magazines, or calendars make great patchwork bags or collage wrapping paper.

2. Recycle Packaging From GiftsTo reduce environmental impacts, it is important to recycle all cardboard packaging and peanuts or other Styrofoam packing that comes with gifts or purchases as these items will not break down in a landfill but can be used over and over again for packaging and shipping.

3. Give the Gift of a Better World Make a donation in honor of a loved one. Choose a cause that addresses an issue that you and your friends and family members care about and support.

4. Green Your Holiday TravelIf you are one of the many people planning to log a lot of travel miles this holiday season, don't forget to look into green options for getting around. Carpooling is a great for reducing emissions and fuel costs.

5. Give Gifts from the HeartInstead of spending money on commercial goods, give the gift of your time and talent to loved ones this year. Offer to make dinner, walk the dog, help with gardening or home repairs, or invite friends over for Fair Trade coffee and tea.

In the summertime it is no surprise to see people walking around carrying disposable plastic bottles of water. In the heat it is certainly important to stay hydrated by consuming appropriate amounts of water. However, there are financial, environmental, and other concerns that you should be aware of before picking up that next plastic bottle to meet your hydration needs.

Here are some facts about bottled water:

* Millions of barrels of oil are used in just the production of plastic water bottles used in America each year.

* Only roughly 1/4 of all disposable water bottles are believed to be recycled annually. The remaining bottles are in landfills, incinerators, and become litter that spreads throughout the environment.

* Many water bottles that are not recycled become litter that enters waterways, and ultimately the ocean, contributing to a long-lasting pollution problem that impacts the health of fisheries, marine mammals, and humans.

* Did you know? Many commercially produced bottled water products are filtered from municipal tap sources- the same drinking water hat flows out of home taps for pennies instead of dollars.

* Bottled water is subjected to less testing than municipal water services in many cases. Most states do not require a bottling company to state what its product source is for the water.

* Americans spend over $100 billion each year for a product that can be had for a fraction of the cost from their homes.

* Boston is, unfortunately, the home of the bottled water industry. In the 1760's, bottled water was sold as a tonic for health reasons to clients at a local health spa.

* Major beverage companies spend billions of dollars annually trying to persuade customers that bottles water is safer, better tasting, and cleaner than tap water. No proof of these claims is given.

So what to do? Before grabbing a disposable bottle of water on your next trip outdoors, try the following:

* Use a refillable water bottle and fill with tap water from your home. It's likely the same taste and quality of pre-bottled water, but much cheaper.

* Want ice cold water? Store your water bottle in the refrigerator overnight. Depending on your container, you may even be able to freeze the bottle first. If you have a large mouth container, fill to the rim with ice cubes before filling with water. This helps water stay cooler longer.

* Does your tap water have a heavy taste from treatment? Try a faucet filter that removes chemicals like chlorine. There are many styles available, and filters can be used to fill dozens of bottles and are cheaper overall than bottled water.

* Teach kids not to be afraid of tap water. Kids take their behavioral cues from adults, so if you use disposable plastic water bottles they probably will too. By reusing bottles and filling with tap water you will be teaching them good habits, saving them money, and reducing environmental impacts, too.

Water is essential for a healthy life, but bottled water simply is not. By taking a few small steps to change our consumption habits, we can have positive financial and environmental impacts and take back the tap for our daily water needs.

Rainy summer days or lazy afternoons are great times to start some arts and crafts projects, but as every family knows, getting materials at big box craft stores can get really pricey after awhile. Luckily, you don't need expensive art materials in order to have a really great time making fun projects right at home. Here is a list of just a few creative websites offering project ideas using free and recycled materials!

The next time you want to pass the time with arts and crafts, be sure to check your recycling bin for materials before you start. Using recycled materials not only saves money, but also helps to eliminate waste. Thank you for finding ways to have fun while we take care of the environment at the same time!